Shamrock camps in Danville are having this year’s final showcase performance at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 3 at the Boyle County Performing Arts Center at Boyle County Middle School. Participants from the three weeks of camps will combine for a final music and dance extravaganza.

The camps are part of an annual cultural exchange with Danville’s sister city, Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland. This year, they celebrated the 10th anniversary of the program.

The camps are run in partnership with West T. Hill Community Theater in Danville, and Uplift Performing Arts from Carrickfergus.

Instructors from Uplift said that through the camps, they enjoy helping children build self-esteem by learning the performing arts.

“I’ve been blessed to be here for all 10 years of the project,” said Uplift Creative Director Ryan Moffett. “It is an amazing blessing to come together with this community and create something really special with West T. Hill.”

The camps have classes in singing, acting, dancing, musical theater, improvisation and more for both children and adults. Kids that are part of the camp learn a whole show in less than a week.

It was some Uplift instructors’ first time being in America.

“To be able to finally come here for the first time and get to be part of this amazing community makes our lives amazing. It makes us feel like we are part of something bigger and special,” said Uplift Instructor Neve Hutchinson. “It is amazing to be able to teach here and in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland we are a little more reserved. So when we come over here and all these kids are so ready to be on stage and start singing or start dancing, it’s just amazing to see that sparkle immediately.”

Other instructors, including Poppy Walker, returned to Danville after Shamrock left a positive impact on them.

“I made so many great memories and had such an amazing experience I had to come back and see all the kids again,” said Uplift Instructor Poppy Walker. “We just want to say thank you to the community and all the kids who have gotten involved. As much as we have drive, passion, and spirit, the kids keep us going because we see how excited they are to spend time with us. It is so special and lovely.” 

Moffett thanked West T. Hill Director Karen Logue and Liz Orndorff, who helped start the partnership between the Danville and Carrickfergus arts organizations.